Pine Knot News - A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news

Vernon E. "Vern" Johnson, 81, of Cloquet passed away March 4, 2023, at Community Memorial Hospital. He was born Sept. 19, 1941, in Cloquet, the son of Rudolph and Lorraine (Cologne) Johnson. Vern graduated from Cloquet High School in 1960 and was united in marriage to Joan A. Valley on May 9, 1964. He worked for Wood Conversion/Conwed for 25 years and for Diamond Brands/Jarden for 17 years. Vern was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and was attending Journey Christian Church in Cloquet. He served in the Army National Guard/Reserve and was a member of the Conwed 25 Year Club. He was always willing to help with anything broken. He was a master at taking anything mechanical apart and enjoyed putting it back together. All he wanted in return was a cup of coffee. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Marshall Johnson; nieces Theresa Gunderson and Michelle Johnson; and his son-in-law, Brent Kulaszewicz. He is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Randy (Alieca), Johnson, Robin (the late Brent) Kulaszewicz, and Ryan (Tara) Johnson; grandchildren, Kristen, Rick (Alexa), Kurt, Mark, Randi, Dani, Zack, Mike and

Sam; one great-granddaughter, Katya; one expected great-grandchild; brother Harlon Johnson; two sisters, Gail (Sherman) Johnson, and Jean (the late Doyle) Vatnsdal; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation: noon until the 2 p.m. funeral service Friday, March 10 at Journey Christian Church, 1400 Washington Ave. in Cloquet. Military Honors will be presented by the Cloquet Combined

Honor Guard. A luncheon will follow in the church social hall. Luncheon menu chosen by "The Littles" - Mike, Sam and Zack. Interment will be at New Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care.

Pine Knot News, March 10, 2023